This ThEd Talk features 2026 National Champion Dan Hesse breaking down the four‑year process that led his team to the top of the Thistle fleet. In this interview with Mike Ingham, Dan shares how deliberate preparation, sharp communication, and a pressure‑first strategy helped them overcome shifty Eugene conditions, two OCS starts, and even a crew overboard. Viewers get practical insights on starting discipline, upwind and downwind speed modes, teamwork, mental resilience, and the small technical details that made a big difference. A concise, high‑value look at how a championship campaign is built.
